1. Striking the body surface (usually with the fingers or a small hammer) to determine the position, size, or density of underlying structures. 2. A technique for mobilizing secretions from the lungs by striking the chest wall with cupped hands. 3. Any of the techniques of body massage in which the hands are used to strike the body and are drawn back after contact in order to control the impact. These techniques include beating with a loosely closed fist, clapping with the palm of the hand, cupping with a curved hand, hacking with the ulnar border of the hand, and tapping with the knuckles or tips or flats of the fingers. SYN: SEE: tapotement; SEE: 1tapping